Lisbon Beach and Campground expansion nears completion

LISBON – Reservations at the Lisbon Beach and Campground are already streaming in as the popular vacation destination prepares for a May 1 opening and puts the finishing touches on an 11-site expansion project.

According to Campground Director Michael J. ONeil, close to 50 seasonal sites are booked so far.

Ive had, throughout the winter, people calling to reserve the pavilion and seasonal sites, Mr. ONeil said.

He said retirement parties, family reunions and graduation parties are common uses of the campgrounds facilities.

A total of 26 sites have been booked for the Aug. 8 to 11 Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society Bassmaster Elite Series, Mr. ONeil estimated.

The Bassmaster Elite Series: St. Lawrence River Showdown will bring 102 of the worlds top bass anglers and their families to the region along with other fishermen and television crews.

Ive had quite a few bass fishermen [stay at the campground], Mr. ONeil said.

As early as last summer, bass fishermen were booking sites at the campground and beginning to scout the river, he said.

This summer will also be the first after a $173,000 project that added 11 sites and upgraded 32 existing ones.

The work on the new sites has been completed, Mr. ONeil said. All thats left is cosmetic work, including some landscaping.

Mr. ONeil said he expects the finishing touches to be complete by the end of the month.

Were going to have close to 100 sites total, Mr. ONeil said of this summers capacity.

And even with that capacity Mr. ONeil said he expects the campground will be overflowing at different times.

Besides the Bassmaster tournament, Mr. ONeil is bracing for Memorial Day, Ogdensburgs Seaway Festival and Lisbons Homecoming, which are all traditionally busy times for the campground.

While the seasonals come regardless of the weather, Mr. ONeil said, if this summer is as sunny and warm as last summer the campground will be packed on weekends.

Lisbon Beach and Campground is open from May 1 to Oct. 1 – though Mr. ONeil said he hopes to open a couple of days earlier this year to accommodate those looking to set up in advance of the May 1 opening of the walleye fishing season.

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